Talks to end Maharaja's College strike inconclusive

Kochi: The talks convened by the District Collector Muhammed Y Safirulla failed to put an end to the ongoing strike by the students led by SFI on Maharaja’s College campus. However, agreement was reached on a few issues raised by the students. The students led by SFI demanded that the principal Dr N L Beena should be replaced on which the Collector did not give any assurance. They also demanded fully resolving issues related to hostel so as to stop the strike on which the authorities and the students could not come to an agreement fully.

Sources privy to the discussion said there was tremendous understanding in the talks held separately between the authorities and the students and the teachers. “But when they sat together, it worsened. There seems to be distrust between teachers and students,” said a source. The Collector said after the talks that the drinking water issue on the campus will be resolved urgently in association with the KWA. The estimate prepared by the PWD for reviving the hostel building will be submitted to the State Government by the Principal.

He also said that the advice of old students and teachers will be sought for resolving issues at the college. The College Governing Council will discuss the demand to part with four rooms of the staff hostel to students. The authorities have also been asked to suggest other buildings for hostel accommodation. He said that another round of talks will fully resolve issues. Students said the strike will continue till then. Among others, Principal N L Beena and other officials were present in the talks.